Charge-coupled device sensitivity

The analytical capabilities of LIBS and LA-MIP-OES were recently noticeably improved by use of an advanced detection scheme based on an Echelle spectrometer combined with a high-sensitivity ICCD (intensified charge-coupled device) detector. 

The use of a sensitive camera system, such as a cooled charged-coupled device (CCD) camera, facilitates resolution and recording of the image, including the pseudocolors generated by probes 4-7. 

Electrons from adjacent pixels can be combined to create a single, larger picture element. This process, called binning, increases the sensitivity of the charge coupled device at the expense of resolution. 

The minimum detectable signal for visible light in Table 20-2 is 17 photons/s. The sensitivity of the charge coupled device is derived from its high quantum efficiency (electrons generated per incident photon), low background electrical noise (thermally generated free... 

A photomultiplier tube is a sensitive detector of visible and ultraviolet radiation photons cause electrons to be ejected from a metallic cathode. The signal is amplified at each successive dynode on which the photoelectrons impinge. Photodiode arrays and charge coupled devices are solid-state detectors in which photons create electrons and holes in semiconductor materials. Coupled to a polychromator, these devices can record all wavelengths of a spectrum simultaneously, with resolution limited by the number and spacing of detector elements. Common infrared detectors include thermocouples, ferroelectric materials, and photoconductive and photovoltaic devices. 

The latest designs in area detectors employ charge-coupled devices (CCDs) as detectors. In effect, CCDs are photon counters, solid-state devices that accumulate charge in direct proportion to the amount of light that strikes them. They have found use in astronomy as light collectors of great sensitivity. For... 

Celina et al. [130] used a commercially available charge-couple device (CCD) camera instead of a position-sensitive photomultiplier. The reason for choosing a CCD camera is that a CCD camera is simpler and less expensive. Furthermore, a photomultiplier is easily damaged by high levels of light... 

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